Hi Reader,

I hope you had an amazing Halloween and that your kids are still enjoying their fun goodies! I’m so happy to connect with you again this week, and I hope you’re doing well.

What I'm Taking Time for Right Now - Pantry Pull Meals

In each of my meal plans, I include a couple of “Leftovers or Pantry Pull” days. But what exactly is a pantry pull meal? It’s about getting creative with what you have on hand, saving both time and money! Here’s how I make it work:

Markdown Hunting & Stocking Up:​
Whenever I’m at the store, I make it a habit to check the markdown spots for hidden gems. My grocery store has markdown areas for meat, bakery, frozen foods, produce, and miscellaneous items. Sometimes I walk away empty-handed, but often I find fantastic deals, like discounted bread, markdown meats, or produce that’s perfectly ripe. I’ll grab sale items from the weekly flyer too—especially shelf-stable foods like pasta, sauce, canned goods, coffee, butter, and cheese. I freeze any extra meat, cheese, and bread, so I always have essentials stocked up.

How Pantry Pull Meals Come Together:​
This week, I scored a spaghetti squash for $0.79 per pound! I combined it with markdown Italian bread and chicken sausage, a jar of sauce, and some leftover cheese to make a tasty, budget-friendly dinner. Cooking creatively from what you have on hand can save a lot over time. If you're not sure what to make, try using apps like Meal Board to track your stock or AllRecipes to find recipes by entering ingredients you already have. You can find links to these apps in this post!

Quick Pantry Pull Ideas:

• Pasta Night: Combine pasta with jarred sauce, add some veggies or frozen meat if you have it.
• Veggie Bowls: Use leftover grains like rice or quinoa, toss in canned beans, some veggies, and top with salsa or a simple dressing.
• Breakfast for Dinner: Use eggs, potatoes, or toast for a filling, affordable dinner that requires minimal ingredients.

With a little creativity, pantry-pull meals can be delicious and cut down your grocery bill. You’ll always have something on hand to whip up without a special trip to the store!

Meal Plan of the Week

Here is this week’s meal plan to help simplify your week! Just print out the grocery list, and you’re all set. If these meals aren’t quite what you’re looking for, you can browse my tried-and-true family favorites here. Want more tips for the rest of your meals? In my post on meal planning, I dive into how I handle breakfasts, lunches, and snacks, as well as my strategy for creating easy pantry-pull meals—quick dinners made from ingredients you already have on hand! Check it out for a stress-free approach to feeding your family.

New on the Blog:

25 Days of Fun Winter Activities for Kids Winter is around the corner, and I’ve rounded up 25 fun, budget-friendly winter activities to keep the kiddos busy. From outdoor adventures to cozy indoor projects, there’s something for every family. Read article

How to Reset Your Life for a Fresh Start In this post, I'm putting my engineering hat back on to guide you through a practical life reset. If you've been feeling stuck or overwhelmed, learn how to let go of what’s not working, set meaningful new goals, and start building your dream life step-by-step. With simple, structured methods, you’ll discover how to break down big changes into manageable actions that lead you toward the future you want. Read article

Until next time, mamas!

I hope you enjoyed this week’s newsletter! If you did, feel free to share this link with friends so they can join, too. And I’d love to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to reply with questions, ideas, or just a quick hello. We’re all in this together!

Warmly,
Shelby